GAUSELMANN GROUP OPENS ITS FIRST GERMAN CASINO

The Gauselmann Group celebrated the opening of its first casino in Germany in style on Saturday, January 24.

Over 500 people came to witness this truly unique event in Leuna-Günthersdorf in Saxony-Anhalt. The Gauselmann Group’s bid to operate casinos in Saxony-Anhalt prevailed against strong competition, winning the licence in 2014 to operate casinos in this German state for the next 15 years.

The grand opening was a truly memorable evening that rightly corresponded to the position of Casino Leuna-Günthersdorf as “the most sophisticated casino in Germany,” according to the company.

The renowned casino architects Merckle and Jung once again proved their status in the industry to create such a wonderful interior design. Furthermore, the location is excellent as the casino is situated opposite one of the largest shopping centres in Germany.

Claudia Bieling, casino director, said: “Our guests stand at the forefront and we are offering them optimal service and first-class entertainment. I am so pleased to be able to greet so many people to our grand opening so that myself and my team can give them an insight into the gaming diversity we have on offer.”

This diversity includes over 120 slot machines and live gaming tables offering roulette, blackjack and poker.

The previous day saw the casino opening for the industry, attended personally by Paul Gauselmann. He was joined by invited guests from the industry, politicians, members of society and the press.

Following on tradition, the casino was opened by the spinning of a golden ball at the roulette table, fittingly carried out by the Lord Major of Leuna, Dr Dietlind Hagenau, who said: “Leuna focuses on innovations and superlatives and this casino joins these ranks.”

This comment by the Lord Major underlines the superlative the Gauselmann Group has created in this casino. Paul Gauselmann said: “It is our stated objective to successfully manage this casino in Leuna-Günthersdorf over the long term. Our international

experience together with our partner Stadtcasino Baden AG will make this happen.”

The dedication to provide a wonderful casino setting goes

hand-in-hand with the company’s responsibility. Merkur Spielbank Sachsen-Anhalt was presented - as first casino in the whole of Europe

- with the Responsible Gaming Certificate by Pieter Remmers of the internationally renowned Global Gambling Guidance Group (G4).

“You are not only setting new standards with your casino offer and service at the Merkur Casino in Leuna-Günthersdorf but also  are taking innovative steps centred around the theme of responsible gaming. You can be very proud of this certification”, noted Remmers during his speech and then presented the certificate to a very proud Claudia Bieling.

Visitors to the grand opening were treated to entertainment including live music and an Elvis Presley impersonator. People of all ages spent an evening to remember at Casino Leuna to round off a truly successful opening.

Merkur Spielbanken Sachsen-Anhalt is a joint enterprise of the family-managed eastern Westphalian Gauselmann Group and the Swiss Stadtcasino Baden. The company prevailed in 2013 in the selection procedure for the approval to operate casinos in Saxony- Anhalt in Germany and was awarded with this licence in 2014.

The most modern casino in Germany was opened in Leuna- Günthersdorf in December 2014 with a unique concept combining classic gaming and slot machine gaming with culinary offers and events. A further casino in Magdeburg is planned.